Wild Turkey

(Meleagris gallopavo)

Where: Blount County, TN • Cades Cove Section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Notes: I once heard a man say, "Gratitude is an action." That puzzled me at first, because I once thought gratitude was just a warm, fuzzy feeling that I get when someone did something nice for me. But then when I begin to put forth the efforts that express my thankfulness, that is when I truly experience the degree of elation that only comes through being of service to others. Perhaps that is why we have ThanksGIVING and not Thanksfeeling? One of my favorite ways to express my appreciation for God's beautiful creatures is to share my stories and images, as often as possible, with others. I have been Blessed with the opportunity to do this through speaker engagements, elementary school programs, art shows and social media over the last several years. I find a certain spirit in nature that I find nowhere else. There is a feeling of connection to the world and to what ever Greater Power there is out there. I feel it every time I go out and explore, whether it is in my own backyard our miles out at some refuge or wilderness park. Happy Thanksgiving!